Democrat Rebecca Bennett flips U.S. House seat in New Jersey

(The Center Square) - Democratic candidate Rebecca Bennett won the race for New Jersey’s seventh congressional district Tuesday night.

Bennett overcame Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., with 60.8% of the vote and 65.4% of votes counted as of 9:52 pm Tuesday night, according to NBC News. The race in New Jersey represented a clear test of partisan control in Congress, in a competition that was once rated a “toss up” by the Cook Political Report

New Jersey’s race was marked by Kean Jr.’s four month absence from Congress due to medical hospitalization and treatment of depression. Kean missed over 140 roll call votes in the U.S. House between March and June 2026. Kean later defended his absence.

“We were very clear with our constituents, as well as the press, that we were seeking medical treatment, and when things got updated over time, we kept everybody updated,” Kean said in a September debate.

In the same debate, Bennett wished him the best but later urged greater transparency from the congressman at the time.

“I certainly would have been more transparent if I was the person in office, because I think our elected officials need to be more transparent with the people they serve,” Bennett told reporters after the debate.

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The two candidates differed on approaches to lower gas prices and end the U.S. military conflict in Iran. Bennett slammed Kean Jr. for voting against a War Powers Resolution to reign in President Donald Trump’s military authority in Iran.

“We need to end the war in Iran to make sure that we are bringing these costs down,” Bennett said. “Anytime we are going to put American service members in harm’s way, there needs to be a clear motivation, clear objective and a clear exit strategy.”

Kean Jr. called for greater energy independence in the United States and to lower regulations on producing oil and natural gas throughout the country.

“We need to look at stopping diesel exports,” Kean said. “We need to have a plan that actually makes us a net energy exporter once again. That plan includes an all of the above energy strategy which includes nuclear, natural gas and a focus on innovation.”

The race could serve as an important early indicator of partisan fortunes across the country as votes continue to be counted throughout the night. For more results, visit thecentersquare.com/elections.